NSA issues Mac security guide

The National Security Administration (NSA) has published an internal guide for System Administrators to keep their Macs secure within their organization. The 171 page document, titled "Mac OS X - Security Configuration For Version 10.4 or Later Second Edition" (PDF) is a free download from the government agency.

The document keys in on several of the major security enhancements found in Mac OS 10.4 (Tiger) including:

Access control lists

Secure instant messaging

Software update server

Certificate management

Smart cards as keychains

Secure erase

VPN service is now Kerberized

Firewall enhancements

Antivirus and antispam

While mostly aimed at Mac system administrators the document is a must read for anyone who is responsibility for the security of more than one Mac. Individual Mac users can probably learn a thing or two from it as well.